You want to find the best tummy tuck surgeon before going under the knife, but what questions should you ask to find the right one? After a pregnancy or sudden weight loss, that loose skin, excess fat, and stretch marks won’t go away independently.
An abdominoplasty procedure will be your only option to change your body how you want, making it important to know how to find the right surgeon.Finding the right surgeon has several key benefits, and it is important to understand that not all clinics are the same. A good surgeon can remove sagging skin and unwanted fat while avoiding complications.
You can also expect better results and a faster tummy tuck recovery with a successful surgery. Here are some tips to find the right surgeon for your tuck procedure.
5 Tips to Finding the Right Surgeon
Here are some common characteristics that good plastic surgeons share. By using these as your search criteria, you’ll be able to find a surgeon who can deliver the best abdominoplasty results.
1. See if They Are Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery® (ABPS)
A plastic surgeon may have several different board certifications, but the American Board of Plastic Surgery® (ABPS) sets the gold standard. The ABPS sets rigorous standards that all practitioners who want to become certified must meet. This certification ensures you receive a standard of care during your procedure and your surgeon follows all conventional safety procedures.
2. Ask About Their Past Experience With Tummy Tuck Surgery
Most plastic surgeons perform many different types of cosmetic surgery procedures. That means it’s unlikely that you’ll find one who specializes only in performing body contouring procedures like an abdominoplasty. Ask the surgeon you want to work with about their experience with tummy tucks to gauge if they have the expertise you need.
3. Check Their Before and After Pictures to See Their Tummy Tuck Results
Ask for a portfolio of your abdominoplasty surgeon’s work, including before and after pictures of tummy tucks they’ve completed. To evaluate the images, look for the following features:
- Improves contouring around the abdominal muscles
- Noticeably less loose skin
- A normal-looking belly button
- Full healing of incisions
- Minimal scarring where extra skin was removed
Trust your judgment when looking at the before and after pictures of the tummy tuck pictures. Your tummy tuck result should make you happy with your body contouring procedures.
4. Meet Your Surgeon Before Your Abdominoplasty
Good plastic surgeons meet their abdominoplasty patients well before the surgery and work to establish a rapport. Even though you may not talk much with your surgeon, they’ll get up close and personal with you in ways no one else will.
By meeting you, they can display that you’ll receive empathetic care in their hands. You can also understand whether the doctor seems rushed or likely to cut corners, which can lead to complications during your abdominoplasty surgery.
5. They Carefully Evaluate You and Aren’t Afraid to Say “No”
A good surgeon will take time to evaluate you as a candidate for a procedure. For some people, an abdominoplasty isn’t the right option to remove excess skin.
You may also find that a partial tummy tuck is better suited to your body than a full tummy tuck. Good surgeons aren’t afraid to turn away candidates who don’t have excellent prospects for success.
Abdominoplasty FAQs
Before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure to remove excess abdominal skin, asking questions is natural. Here are answers to some of the most common tummy tuck surgery FAQs.
Am I a Good Candidate For an Abdominoplasty?
This procedure can help remove excess skin from a pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. If you lead a healthy lifestyle or have any chronic conditions under control, you may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty surgery. However, your surgeon can advise you on the best course of action and alert you to alternatives to a full tummy tuck, like a mini tummy tuck.
Does a Tummy Tuck Leave Scars?
A tummy tuck will leave some scarring, as it involves removing excess skin, but this should mostly fade about two years after your surgery. Most scarring will be in the pubic area and lower abdomen around the belly button. A good surgeon can make your recovery faster and improve wound healing by removing excess tissue through the least amount of cuts.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Tummy Tuck?
You can regain much of your mobility within two or three weeks of your surgery. During this time, you’ll want to take a vacation from work if possible. After four to six weeks, you can start engaging in light exercise. It takes about six months to recover from a tummy tuck fully.
What Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Are Paired With An Abdominoplasty?
While a tummy tuck can be performed as a standalone procedure, it is frequently combined with other surgeries. These combination procedures are commonly referred to as a Mommy Makeover. Common procedures paired with a tummy tuck include breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, and brazilian butt lift.
What Happens If I Get Pregnant Again After a Tummy Tuck?
It’s best to plan your tummy tuck at a time when you’re finished having children. You can still get pregnant after having a tummy tuck. However, the results of your procedure may not last if your skin begins to stretch too much again.
While you can most likely schedule another tummy tuck surgery to remove the new excess skin, it’s best to avoid this if possible by waiting to get the surgery until after you’re done growing your family.
Why get a tummy tuck surgery?
Most people select to get this surgery to help tighten their abdominal muscles, get rid of excess skin and remove excess fat. Besides fixing aesthetic issues, a tummy tuck can also be a functional solution for separated abdominal muscles.
Are You Ready For Your Tummy Tuck Consultation?
If you want a tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Ashley Steinberg with Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Houston is ready to meet! Dr. Steinberg is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon serving the Houston area since 2019. With her proven track record for unbelievable transformations and warm, friendly service, you’ll get the care you need at her office.
Schedule your consultation today, and Dr. Steinberg can inform you about all you need to know about the procedure. She’ll evaluate your condition and determine if you’re an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck surgery. Together, you can ensure your mommy makeover is a success!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/surgeon
